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Definition

noun, plural: inflammations

(medicine) The end result of the different bodily processes, in response to an injurious agent.

Supplement

Inflammation may be acute or chronic. It is a result of a cascade of physiologic processes in response to an injurious agent such as microbes, allergens, etc.

Cardinal signs of inflammation include the following:

• tumour or swelling
• dolor or pain
• calor or heat
• function laesa or loss of function
• rubor or erythema

Word origin: Latin inflammatio, inflammare, (to set on fire)

Related form(s): inflame (verb), inflammatory (adjective)

Related term(s):

• Chronic inflammation
• Acute inflammation
• Proliferative inflammation
• Serous inflammation
• Purulent inflammation
• Alterative inflammation

Mentioned in:

• Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis
• Inflammatory response